Nebraska's Chief Justice to Retire in Late October

From Left to Right: Julie Jacobson, Mike Jacobson, Chief Justice Michael Heavican, Governor Pete Ricketts from February 23, 2022, as Heavican swore in Jacobson to finish the remaining term of former North Platte Sen. Mike Groene. (File photo Courtesy of the Governor’s Office)

LINCOLN–(KFOR Aug. 21)–Nebraska Supreme Court Chief Justice Mike Heavican has announced he’s retiring.

An email to KFOR News from Governor Jim Pillen’s office on Wednesday afternoon indicated that Chief Justice Heavican is planning to retire Oct. 31.

Gov. Pillen offered his congratulations to Heavican’s retirement and thanked him for his years of service.

“He has served Nebraska’s Supreme Court with professionalism, rooted in deep regard for the rule of law. I have enjoyed getting to know Chief Justice Heavican and I often repeat to others the observation he made to me about walking into the Supreme Court Chamber,” Pillen said. “I wish Mike the very best in all his future endeavors.”

Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly also issued a statement regarding Heavican’s retirement.

“He has been the perfect example of all that a public servant should be,” Kelly said.

Heavican served as Lancaster County Attorney prior to becoming U.S. Attorney for Nebraska and later coming the Chief Justice of the Nebraska Supreme Court.

By law, Governor Pillen will be presented a list of potential nominees from the Judicial Nominating Commission to be Heavican’s successor.